How to fix creases in (leather) shoes?

[blacksheep]

I have a pair of 40s/50s pumps that have white creases on the vamp. The shoe material isn't labeled. While the inside of the shoe looks and feels like leather, I can't tell whether the exterior is leather and treated with something to give the glossy appearance, or is some other material. They don't appear shiny enough to be patent leather; then again, I've only seen modern examples of it.

Anyone have an idea what the material is and what, if anything, I could do about the creases? Here's a pic of the creasing.

 

[Vinclothes]

Your shoe repair shop should be able to tell you the material. You might try putting shoe stretchers in them when they are room temperatre (not cold) and allow them to stretch out at least over night. A fabric marking pen or shoe polish may minimize the lighter places.
Marian

 

[Jonathan]

I know that finish, its not patent leather but its some kind of glazed surface that becomes more brittle with age and will crack like that. I don't think there is anything you can do to repair it, and wearing it will only make it worse, it won't loosen up the leather.

 

[blacksheep]

Well that's disheartening. I wonder whether storage conditions contribute to this, or if age is the main culprit. They were crease-free when purchased, and I've only worn them once or twice indoors. The bottoms show a good deal of wear, so I would've expected there to be creasing from the previous owner. I really like the look of this finish, and will enjoy them while I can.

Thank you both for your help.

 

[Pinkcoke]

I believe the name is Glacé leather, as Jonathan says; a leather that is glazed. I found this rather niche website for the International Union of Leather Technologists and Chemists Societies which gave the definition as:

Glacé Leather: Leather finished on the grain side with a bright, smooth, glossy or glasslike surface obtained, according to the type of leather, by glazing, plating, ironing or polishing.
Glacé tanning: Tawing, or dressing, with a mixture of alum, or aluminium sulphate, salt, egg yolk and wheat flour.